Diaries

Joanne Briggs

The weight has been lifted!

It is the first time that I have actually relaxed since I got back after Christmas! The hassle of revising and completing group work, was the biggest stress I have ever had. Please note: never work with friends!

After several nine till five’s in the library and all night revision sessions, the stress and work of semester one is finally over. Everyone always seems to leave everything to the last minute and the queues in the library and computer rooms was phenomenal. But will the hard work and last minute cramming all pay off? We can only wait and see.

I was one of the lucky students who had all my exams in one week and have had the past week off to relax and do nothing (so I hoped). I thought I could go out get really drunk, shop, go for meals and generally just live the student life. Relish and reflect on what a fantastic city, Leeds is. But one thing was missing from this equation - money!

This time of year is always hard with the after effects of Christmas and New Year and the opportunity of signing for a new house - yes that dreaded deposit! So my relaxing week turned into a big stress about money and who to live with next year! On top of that I had a guilty feeling every time I sat down to relax - feeling I should be doing some work! It's weird that it's all over but it feels weird to relax.

Now the prospect of deciding who to live with and house hunting did not excite and motivate me at all. It seems only a few weeks ago since I moved into this house and now we are thinking of moving out. It is hard to decide and make such an important and significant decision!

Now I had two options stay with the people I am already with five fantastic friends I have made whilst in Leeds, or live with my friend of ten years and her boyfriend. This was one of the hardest decisions I have made. Now, living with my friend from back home would save money but could I handle living with a couple?

Whilst my current house mates are fantastic could I afford the rent and would it be too hectic for my final year? Honestly it was so difficult but in the end I chose my friend from back home, the main reason being money. There were a few comments and tears from both sides but in the end I think I have made the right decision and got a bargain - a brand new apartment for £40 a week - still in Headingley! Yes I'll miss the others but they will only be round the corner (literally).

A huge weight has been lifted! Now it’s ALL over - exams, assignments and the house hunting - I can finally relax!